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A monthly publication about conservation in Missouri. Started in 1938, the printed magazine is free to residents of Missouri.
Smithville, Mo. – Bald eagles are large birds of prey, and in winter they follow south waterfowl flocks that often settle on lakes in large numbers. Together eagles, geese and ducks provide interesting watchable wildlife. The public is invited to view both in the wild and indoor programs about nature at the 20th Annual Eagle Days at Smithville Lake, Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 10 and 11.
Eagle Days is hosted by the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Clay County Department of Parks and Recreation. The event includes wildlife viewing opportunities outdoors at the lake and indoor nature programs. The event's general activities will be 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.
Live predatory bird programs will be presented indoors by Operation Wildlife at the Paradise Pointe Golf Course clubhouse in Little Platte Park, 18212 Golf Course Road, in Smithville. Operation Wildlife rescues injured birds of prey and those that cannot be returned to the wild are featured in educational programs. Programs will be presented on Jan. 10 at 9:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. On Jan. 11, the programs will begin at 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m.
All Eagle Days activities are free. Seating is limited to 175 people during the indoor programs. Also on display will be nature exhibits by other public and private conservation organizations in the Kansas City area.
Outdoors, eagle viewing stations will be set up at the lake. Viewing sites usually depend on weather and what locations waterfowl and eagles are frequenting on event days. Those locations will be available at Paradise Pointe during the event. Spotting scopes will be set up at viewing stations. MDC Conservation Agents, Clay County Park Rangers and Federal Park Rangers will be at the stations to help visitors spot and identify wildlife.
For information about Eagle Days at Smithville Lake, call (816) 532-0174. To learn more about eagles and places to view them in Missouri, visit the MDC website at mdc.mo.gov/events/eagledays.
